If Mother Nature crashes the party, the fireworks will be rescheduled for July 5. Keep an eye on the WaunaBoom website or Facebook page for the latest updates—we’ll post there as soon as we know more (because we’re refreshing the radar every five minutes too).

Thanks to our amazing sponsors, admission, entertainment, and activities are completely free! Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy a full day of fun on us. You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, or treat yourself at the food carts and beer tent, which are the only things that cost money at WaunaBoom!

Great question—and we’ve got you covered! To help us capture the energy, excitement, and all the red, white, and boom of the day, photos and videos may be taken throughout the park. These images are used to promote this free community event and were respectfully captured by authorized individuals on behalf of WaunaBoom and the Village of Waunakee. We post Crowd Release signs at every entrance and throughout the park so there are no surprises. Here's exactly what they say: WaunaBoom Crowd Release for Photography and Filming By entering and by your presence here, you (and as the guardian of any minor) consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to waive all rights to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with such photography, filming and/or recording, and to any use, in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity, of your appearance, voice and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with the Village of Waunakee's WaunaBoom event. In addition, you release the Village of Waunakee, its officials, employees, committee members, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the photography, filming and/or recording at this event. You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent given by you (and as the guardian of any minor) by entering this area. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter this area. So basically—if you’re dancing, singing, cheering, or wearing a light-up Uncle Sam hat, you might end up in one of our highlight reels.

For immediate assistance, look for a WaunaBoom Committee member in a bright yellow shirt, or speak with a police officer, firefighter, or EMS team member. For general questions, lost & found, or minor needs, visit the Headquarters Tent near the Raymond Road entrance—we’re happy to assist with anything from directions to bandages. We’re all here to make sure every guest is having fun, feels safe, and knows they belong.

Yes. Lost and found items can be turned in or claimed at the Headquarters Tent near the Raymond Road entrance.

WaunaBoom Committee members in bright yellow shirts have spent the entire year planning and preparing this event to ensure every guest has fun, feels seen, safe, and welcome. On event day, many work from early morning into the late evening—long after the last guest has left—to keep things running smoothly. To stay fueled and responsive, committee members may move to the front of food cart lines when time is limited. They may also accompany VIP guests or special visitors to the front of activity lines as part of their hosting responsibilities. We appreciate your understanding—and your kindness—as they work hard behind the scenes (and in plain sight) to make WaunaBoom an unforgettable experience for everyone.

The best place to view the fireworks is inside Ripp Park, where you can enjoy the full ground display and hear the choreographed music. While many areas offer good views, the show was intentionally designed to face the crowd near the main stage, with four synchronized launch platforms creating a wide, immersive experience. For the best view, find a spot facing the stage with the flagpoles out of sight behind it—this ensures you're perfectly aligned with how the show was meant to be seen and felt. See the Park Map on the website to help you pick the perfect viewing spot.

Yes—there are two ATMs on-site: one in the food cart area and one in the beer tent. Look for the tall flags marked ATM. We recommend planning ahead and bringing cash. Most food carts accept credit cards, but not all. The beer tent is cash only.

You can donate using QR codes on signs throughout the park, in donation boxes at the park entrances, in the Pepsi carts, or at the front counter of the beer tent. Want to support WaunaBoom right now? You can make a secure, tax-deductible donation online by visiting our Donate page.

Yes, my Legal Eagles—we absolutely do! Every movie we show under the stars is covered by a public performance license through Swank Motion Pictures. That means we’re not just tossing up a screen and hoping for the best—we’re doing it by the book. To keep things fully legit, here’s the official legalese from Swank Motion Pictures that we follow to the letter: Advertising – You are permitted to use the studio-approved artwork provided by Swank Motion Pictures. These images can be accessed on our website. Please note that these images may not be edited or altered and must include the copyright symbol and studio name. Advertising through media such as radio, television or newspaper is prohibited. Promotions by means of a lighted sign, billboard or marquee that can reasonably be seen by the general public may not include the name of the movie. If this policy is violated or your screening becomes openly competitive with a commercial theater, your screening(s) may be canceled without notice. If you are hosting a drive-in event, we ask that you refrain from using the term “drive-in” in your advertising. Some alternate recommendations include “Carpool Cinema” and “Wheels and Reels”. Use of Studio Intellectual Property (IP) – Licensed screenings may not include any unauthorized use of studio-owned intellectual property. This includes the use of trademarks, character names, images, or branded elements in event promotion or at the event itself. Any misuse may result in the termination of screening rights. Moratoriums – It is understood that from time to time it may be necessary for a Studio, in its sole discretion, to withdraw a movie from exhibition. These moratoriums can be based on date and/or screening location. In the event of a withdrawal of a film that you have already licensed, you may substitute this film for an alternate title or cancel the event without obligation to Swank Motion Pictures. So yes, your movie night is not only magical, it’s also totally above board.

Nothing but smiles. At WaunaBoom, every family and every child is welcome to join the fun—no tickets, no wristbands, no extra cost. Thanks to our generous sponsors, all kids and family activities are completely free. From pony rides to bounce-worthy obstacle courses, we believe everyone deserves to feel like they belong and can make joyful memories together. Come ready to play, explore, and enjoy the day—because fun at WaunaBoom doesn’t come with a price tag!

Lines for popular activities may close up to an hour before the posted end time. This gives our wonderful vendors enough time to finish with guests already in line and begin packing up on schedule. We appreciate your understanding as we help everyone wrap up their day smoothly and safely.

Yes. Children may enter the beer tent with a guardian aged 21 or older. The beer tent is open from 2:00 – 10:15 PM.

Emergency Stations are clearly marked zones throughout the park where WaunaBoom Committee members and first responders can quickly coordinate if something unexpected pops up. Think of them as our “mission control” points—designed to help emergency services navigate the crowd, respond fast, and keep everyone safe. If you ever need help or spot a situation, head to the nearest station or flag down someone in a bright yellow WaunaBoom shirt or a first responder.

The Waunakee Police Department prohibits fireworks, sparklers, pets, grills, open fires, and alcoholic carry-ins. Only authorized vehicles are permitted in the park. For everyone’s safety, bikes, skateboards, scooters, and other personal or motorized vehicles may not be ridden anywhere in the park at any time. The park is simply too busy to allow for safe riding. The only exception is the Kids’ Bike Parade at 3:00 PM. If you bring a bike or scooter, please walk it. If you bring a skateboard, carry it. Or find a place to safely secure it until you’re ready to head home.

We get it—wheels are fun. But with thousands of people roaming the park, riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, or anything zippy just isn’t safe. For everyone’s safety, riding is not allowed anywhere in the park at any time—except during the Kids’ Bike Parade at 3:00 PM, where we do roll out the red carpet for riders. If you bring a bike or scooter, please walk it. If you bring a skateboard, carry it. Or better yet—lock it up in a safe spot until it’s time to roll out. Thanks for keeping it chill and keeping it safe!

Yes. Designated accessible parking is available along one side of Dorn Drive between the two Ripp Park entrances at 5th Street and Raymond Road. Guests must display a valid Accessible Parking Permit to use this area. Please note that the Waunakee Police Department will be enforcing all parking regulations, including proper permit display.

The park is accessible from many neighborhoods, but parking can fill up in the surrounding areas. There are shuttle park-and-ride locations throughout the village that pick up and drop off guests every 15 to 20 minutes from 1:45 PM. to 11:15 PM. Check the Shuttle Map on the website for details about the Red and Blue Routes.

Yes. Courtesy golf carts will operate throughout the park from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, with pick-up and drop-off zones at each park entrance (5th Street and Raymond Road), and along the loop inside the park at designated areas.